Quick Details
Passenger
Ages 12+
$ 589
Experience a Thrilling 2-Hour Ice Climbing Adventure on Mendenhall Glacier
This 2-hour ice climbing adventure is the ultimate experience for those seeking both physical challenge and spectacular scenery. Designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike, this tour provides the opportunity to climb vertical glacier walls, ascend icy towers, and explore remote areas of the Mendenhall Glacier under the guidance of our highly trained climbing guides. After a breathtaking helicopter flight, you’ll land on the glacier and learn the fundamentals of ice climbing with technical gear like harnesses, ropes, crampons, and ice tools. No prior experience is necessary, but guests should be prepared for sustained physical activity and varied, sometimes steep terrain for two hours.
Our Helicopter Glacier Ice Climbing Tour delivers two hours on the ice to climb, explore, and discover one of Southeast Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders—the Juneau Icefield. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from downtown Juneau to our helicopter base near the airport, where our staff will outfit you in technical gear and prepare you with a safety briefing.
You’ll then board an A-Star helicopter and have an opportunity to explore Juneau’s incredible range of ecosystems while soaring over old-growth trees of the Tongass National Forest, dramatic mountain ranges, and expansive flows of ice that change from white to brilliant shades of blue. Flight routes are pilots’ choice depending on conditions to give you the best views of the day.
Upon landing at our glacier base camp, your guide will help you gear up with crampons, a helmet, climbing harness, and ice tools. You’ll receive hands-on instruction in basic climbing technique, including how to use your ice axes and crampons to ascend safely. After a short practice session on low-angle terrain, you’ll move to steeper glacier features for your climbing experience—ranging from beginner-friendly walls to more vertical lines depending on the ability and comfort of the group.
Throughout the tour, your guide will share glaciological insights, natural history, and climbing tips while ensuring safety and fun. There will be ample opportunities to take incredible photos of your climbing efforts and the surreal, frozen environment around you. After your glacier climb, you’ll be flown back to base and return transportation to your drop-off point.
-
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Forest during your round-trip helicopter flight.
- Learn and apply basic ice climbing techniques with professional instruction and support.
- Climb shimmering glacier walls or descend into icy features, and pose for once-in-a-lifetime climbing photos.
- Explore remote, rugged areas of the Mendenhall Glacier that few people ever see up close.
-
- Must be 12 years or older to participate.
- Must be physically fit and able to engage in sustained, full-body activity including walking uphill and climbing short vertical sections.
-
- Due to safety protocol NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/tour:
- Bags or cases of any kind
- iPads or tablets, tripods
- Selfie sticks or other extendible items
- Drones
- Due to safety protocol NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/tour:
-
We want to ensure your time on the glacier is both safe and comfortable. We provide transportation, a full climbing equipment kit (including helmet, harness, crampons, ice tools, gloves), rain gear, boots, water, and a light snack.
Here’s how to get the most out of your adventure:
- Dress for temperatures 10–15°F cooler than sea level.
- Wear long socks, warm layers, and flexible athletic pants (no shorts).
- Bring sunglasses, a camera (in a pocket or with a strap), and your sense of adventure.
Note: We cannot accommodate backpacks or purses on this tour. Secure storage is available at base. A hip pack will be provided for small items on the glacier.
-
Due to safety protocol NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/tour:
- Bags or cases of any kind
- iPads or tablets, tripods
- Selfie sticks or other extendible items
- Drones
-
Baggage Policy:
NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/ tour:
- Bags or cases of any kind
- iPads or tablets, tripods
- Selfie sticks or other extendible items
- Drones
Surcharge Policy:
Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as guest safety and comfort, passengers weighing 250 pounds (113kg or 18 Stone) or more will be charged an additional $150.00 to reserve adequate space on board the helicopter. Total weight includes shoes and clothing. The surcharge must be paid at the time of booking.
Aircraft Seating:
We arrange seating based on the weight, balance, safety, and comfort of the whole departure, and cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep groups together on the aircraft. Please note that we will do everything possible to keep groups together for the flight portion of the tour, but we are sometimes required to split a group between multiple helicopters. All groups will be together for the glacier portion of the tour.
-
Weather in Juneau can often be overcast and rainy. Decisions to operate tours are based on safety and tour quality. Should we decide not to operate your scheduled tour we will do our best to reschedule. If this is not possible, you will be refunded in full.
If you cancel your scheduled activity more than 24 hours in advance, there will be a 10% cancellation fee.
Tour is non-refundable inside of 24 hours of tour start time.